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Ask Alan #241: To close or not to close, that is the question
Hi Alan, I bought NEM at $98.68 and sold the $100 call and now it is trading at $113.70. I can't make any more money. I'm not sure if I should close the trade or let the shares be sold. I don't care about losing the stock. Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks, Barry...
Setting Up a $50k Covered Call Writing ETF Portfolio
click ↑ 4 Featured Covered call writing portfolios are structured based on cash available, the # of securities used to maximize diversification, as well as appropriate cash allocation and initial time-value return range goals. In this article, 5 exchange traded funds...
BCI PODCAST 169: Exit Strategy Considerations When a Call Strike Moves Deep ITM Early in a Contract
When share price moves up exponentially after entering a covered call trade, there are 4 exit strategies to consider: 1: Rolling-up 2: Rolling-out or out-and-up 3: Closing both legs of the covered call trade and entering a new one with a new stock (Mid-contract unwind...
Using 2 Standard Deviations to Determine the Risk of Exercise of a High Implied Volatility Stock When Covered Call Writing
click ↑ 4 Featured Portfolio overwriting (PO) is a form of covered call writing where, in addition to generating cash flow, we also want to retain the underlying shares. Achieving both goals may become more challenging when employing high implied volatility (IV)...
Wartime Option Strategies: We Can Still Make Money
click ↑ 4 Featured Covered call writing and cash-secured puts are low-risk option-selling strategies that can be implemented even in challenging market environments. In the 1st quarter of 2026, the US has been experiencing uncertainty and volatility exacerbated by a...
Comparing the Protection from ITM Covered Calls versus Adding Protective Puts (The Collar Strategy) + New Member Discount Coupon
click ↑ 4 Featured In bear, volatile and uncertain market environments, covered call writers turn to ITM call strikes and protective puts to create greater protection to the downside. In this article, the pros & cons of each hedging technique will be analyzed...
BCI PODCAST 168: Collar Trades, the rationale for maximum gains and losses
Collar trades are covered call writing + protective puts. There is a floor and a ceiling on each position. The option side should result in a net credit when structuring our trades. The stock side will result in a gain, loss or breakeven. This podcast will show...
Shorter-Dated Options Offer More than Greater Annualized Covered Call Returns
click ↑ 4 Featured Covered call writers know to avoid the "shiny object" of long-dated options total dollar premiums and to annualize the initial returns to get a fair assessment as to how much cash flow we are generating. But is that the only benefit of shorter-dated...
Ask Alan #240: Covered Call Strike Selection with the “Wheel” or Put-Call-Put (PCP) Strategy
Hi Alan, I love your put-call-put strategy, using both covered calls and puts. I know you use out-of-the-money puts, but do you also use out-of-the-money calls? Thanks for your help. Lloyd Free Resources:...
Wartime Option StrategiesWatch BCi’s series on YouTube.
Podcast
- 126. Analyzing the Status of a Rolling-Down Trade
- 124. Dividends and After-Hours News Causing Exercise of OTM Call Strikes
- 123. Implied Volatility, IV Rank and IV Percentile Defined and Practical Applications
- BCI PODCAST 122: Should I Roll-Out My Deep In-The-Money Call Option Mid-Contract?
- BCI PODCAST 121: What is a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company)?
- 120. Using the Nasdaq-100 Volatility Index (VOLQ) in Covered Call Writing Decisions
- 119. Establishing Our Cost-Basis for Long-Term Holdings
- 118. Adjusting Our Portfolio Mix to Achieve Diversification and Cash Allocation
- 117. When a Covered Call Strike Moves $1000.00 In-The-Money
- 116. How to Execute a Covered Call Trade with a Buy/Write Combination Form
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Covered Call Exit Strategies
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Our Journey and Mission
The Blue Collar Investor was founded with a simple mission: to empower everyday individuals with the knowledge to invest wisely in the stock market. Our blog focuses on demystifying stock options, providing readers with the tools they need to succeed. We believe that anyone can learn to invest effectively, regardless of their background or experience.
Our story began when our founder Dr. Alan Ellman, realized the lack of accessible resources for average investors. Determined to bridge this gap, we created a platform that offers comprehensive guides, expert tips, and real-world strategies. Today, The Blue Collar Investor is a trusted resource for thousands of readers seeking to enhance their financial literacy and achieve their investment goals.